A Conceptual Framework for Structural Masonry Transformation: Integrating Quality, Efficiency, Skills, Materials and Governance

Abstract

This study exposes systemic challenges affecting structural masonry performance, including skills shortages, material non-compliance, regulatory fragmentation, supervision practices and sustainable construction governance in South Africa. Structural masonry remains one of the most fundamental building technologies globally, particularly within developing economies. However, its quality and efficiency have been challenged by material deficiencies, inadequate training, lack of supervision and poor adherence to standards. The pursuit of improved structural and production efficiency in masonry is imperative for ensuring durability, sustainability and cost effectiveness in construction. The study develops a socio technical framework explaining how governance fragmentation, declining workforce capability and inconsistent technical compliance collectively shape masonry performance. Interview data collected from industry specialists using a semi-structured approach are used in the analysis to highlight the congruences and incongruences between the theoretical arguments and real-world industry practices. This study provides an integrated framework, taking into account technical, human and organisational considerations, which would facilitate compliance, innovation, quality assurance and human capability in structural masonry. The findings indicate that structural masonry inefficiency emerges through reinforcing interaction between institutional fragmentation, declining human capability and inconsistent technical compliance systems. The study contributes an integrated socio technical systems framework for analysing structural masonry transformation within developing construction environments.